We’ve posted a great number of challenging and thought-provoking videos on skeptical topics from TAM 2012 on JREF’s popular YouTube channel, including talks by Stuart Firestein, Dierdre Barrett, Tim Farley, Eugenie Scott, Ben Radford and many, many more. One of the most popular videos posted from TAM 2012 is the recording of our Live Million Dollar Challenge, where Banachek, Jamy Ian Swiss, Chip Denman, Richard Saunders, and Baxter, along with over a dozen other JREF volunteers, tested the claims of the inventor of the Dynactiv SR wristband, a gizmo purported to improve the wearer’s strength, stamina, energy and balance, as well as help regulate sleep and increase focus and concentration. To me, the video of our live test is a breathtaking example of both the seriousness and thoroughness with which such claims must be treated and the ideal posture — a combination of humility and open-mindedness — required when examining such paranormal or pseudoscientific claims.

Earlier this week, Randi and I were in Phoenix and Tempe, Arizona, where among other things, he was featured at an event for the internationally renowned Barrow Neurological Institute. The special event was “Magic and the Brain,” and also featured prominent Vegas magician Mac King, along with the neuroscientists Stephen Macknik and Susana Martinez-Conde (authors of Sleights of Mind), and it explored the intersection of magic, science, skepticism and deception. While we were in town, Randi and I also gave lectures on skepticism, science and magic at the University of Arizona.

When we travel, we invariably meet people who talk about how the work of the JREF has made a difference in their lives. Not only does this encourage us, “charging our batteries,” so to speak, but it motivates us to redouble our efforts knowing that the work of skepticism is never done. (In my hotel room Sunday night I saw a number of episodes of Long Island Medium in their entirety. I think Theresa Caputo’s gross, manipulative act hurts grieving, if gullible, people, and might just merit some additional attention from the JREF.)

As ever, thank you for your continued support of the JREF’s important work. We couldn’t continue educating the public about the paranormal and pushing back against the brazen fakers lining their pockets by taking advantage of believers without it.

Sincerely,

D.J. GrothePresident, James Randi Educational Foundation

Reserve Your Space on the Amazing Adventure 2012!

Join James Randi and a crew of skeptical seafarers for a TAM-at-Sea! On this luxurious 7-day cruise, we will explore 2012 doomsday prophecies as we travel to the Mayan Riviera, home of the ancient Mayan civilization.

Our journey from Tampa, Florida to the heart of Mayan civilization will stop in the Rotan Bay Islands, Honduras; Belize City, Belize; Costa Maya, Mexico; and Cozumel, Mexico. Between guided tours and talks about prophecies of impending doom and other skeptical topics, you’ll have ample time to scuba, snorkel, enjoy the beach and the jungle, and see some of the most beautiful Mayan ruins.

Save the Date for TAM 2013!

When: July 11 - 14, 2013What: A four day vacation from unreason, a celebration of science and skepticism with some amaz!ng people!Where: South Point Hotel Casino and Spa, Las Vegas, NevadaWho: James Randi, skeptical thinkers from around the world, and you!RSVP: Registration details available in the coming months at amazingmeeting.com

Upcoming Events

Think 2012 and Randi Speaking Tour | November 2-8 | Goa, Mumbai and Other Cities, IndiaJames Randi offers a keynote presentation at this eclectic, thought-provoking and egalitarian platform for ideas from across the globe. Learn about Randi’s decades of work catching con-artists and fighting fakers. Register for free here. Randi will also be touring other cities in India. Full itinerary to be announced in the weeks ahead.

2012 Australian Skeptics Convention and Randi Speaking Tour | November 30-December 2 | Melbourne, Australia The Australian Skeptics bring back their inspiring conference, with this year’s theme of Active Skepticism – changing for the better. Featured speakers include James “The Amazing” Randi, JREF president D.J. Grothe, and JREF outreach coordinator Brian Thompson. Purchase tickets here.

The Amaz!ng Adventure 2012 | December 9 - 16 | Mayan RivieraOn this TAM-at-Sea, join James Randi and a team of seafaring skeptics for a journey to the heart of the ancient Mayan civilization. Along the way, enjoy talks by some of your favorite skeptical speakers, including James Randi and Benjamin Radford. Reserve your spot here.

The Amaz!ng Meeting 2013 | July 11 - 14 | Las VegasJoin us for the largest science and skepticism conference in the world, featuring exciting speakers, engaging panels and workshops, and some of the best (or at least most skeptical) evening entertainment in Vegas. More information at amazingmeeting.com in the coming months.

The Amaz!ng Meeting 2012: More Unforgettable Talks

Anyone who joined us for TAM 2012 knows that it was one of the best TAMs yet, with talks, panels and workshops that challenged us, made us laugh, and inspired us to do more to fight unfounded claims. If you missed this year’s event, you can catch videos of the talks at our YouTube channel.

We are delighted to share with you some videos of standout talks. Dr. Stuart Firestein of Columbia University discusses the value of "thoroughly conscious ignorance" in propelling scientific advancement; and Dr. Eugenie Scott of the National Center for Science Education discusses the tactics employed by creationists in denying the science behind evolution. Watch these great presentations by clicking below.

JREF Welcomes New Education Consultant

We are very happy to announce that Barbara Drescher has joined our team, serving as the organization’s Consultant for Educational Programs. Ms. Drescher has been involved with the JREF for many years, speaking and leading teacher workshops at The Amaz!ng Meeting, JREF’s annual conference, and advising on the JREF in the Classroom program. In addition to skeptical activism, Ms. Drescher teaches research methods, statistics, and cognitive psychology at California State University, Northridge, where she has focused her research on perception, attention, learning, and reasoning. On her critical thinking website, ICBSEverywhere.com, she evaluates claims and research, discusses education, and promotes science and skepticism.

“I strongly believe that what the JREF does makes the world a better place,” says Drescher. “I have been proud of my contributions to the JREF's educational efforts over the past few years and I am excited about the opportunity to make a much larger and more lasting contribution in this new role."

Call for Scholarship Applications

The James Randi Educational Foundation is proud to provide a number of resources that skeptics need to promote critical thinking in their communities and the wider public. We are equally committed to making sure the next generation of skeptics is equipped to carry on this important work for years to come. This is why the JREF is proud to regularly provide grants and scholarships to educators, students, and community activists who share our mission of inoculating the public against pseudoscience, superstition, and unproven claims.

Over the years, tens of thousands of dollars in JREF scholarships have been awarded to both undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate a commitment to applying critical thinking and rational skepticism to their chosen fields. Some of our awardees have gone on to careers in psychology,mathematics, science education, philosophy, literature, biology, and computer and cognitive sciences.

We believe in fostering skepticism across many fields of study, and we are proud to put our resources behind that conviction.

If you are planning a skeptical event or project, we encourage you to apply for a JREF grant. Simply send your name, the name of your organization, a description of your project, and a proposed budget to JREF Outreach Coordinator Brian Thompson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Top to Bottom: Graduate scholarship winner Monique Marinakos, a law student seeking to write legislation that integrates a balanced, respectful relationship between scientists and lawmakers; Undergraduate scholarship winner Narine E. Wandrey, a science and critical thinking activist at the University of Dallas.

JREF in the Media

Tired of seeing ghost hunters and psychics filling the headlines? Here’s how your favorite skeptics have been representing the rational viewpoint in the media.

The Honor System | Esquire Magazine"It's so beautiful, I have tears in my eyes when he's finished, I really do. The hush in the audience... nobody breathes. I swear they're turning blue. You hardly blink. That's what makes it a very brave trick." - James Randi

Chasing the Dragon | Creative Loafing Atlanta"Randi has an open-ended challenge to pay $1,000,000 to anyone who can demonstrate paranormal abilities... but the psychics all claim that they can't do it when he's around because skeptics, like him, generate 'bad vibrations' that interfere with their abilities. Whatever."

Rockin' New libsyn Podcasts: Consequence | Libsyn.com“Thousands and thousands of people all over the world have been harmed financially, emotionally, or even physically by believing in superstition, pseudoscience, or paranormal phenomena that turned out not to be true. On Consequence, the James Randi Educational Foundation provides a forum for those people to share their stories.” - Brian Thompson, host of the JREF’s Consequence

An Interview with Carrie Poppy | The Skeptic Zone“We want to share this outlook where we question everything. It’s not about proving anybody wrong.” - Carrie Poppy, JREF Director of Communications

An Interview with D.J. Grothe | The Skeptic Zone“At TAM we offer practical skepticism... How to roll up your sleeves and combat the nonsense.” - D.J. Grothe, JREF President

An Interview with D.J. Grothe | Skeptikerpodden Interview begins at 26:26. "Skepticism is a life-affirming and positive way of approaching questions... an intellectual self-defense." - D.J. Grothe, JREF President